Dare to imagine a child being beaten helplessly, starving every night because his mother decided to spend the money on her drug addiction, or visualize a child he always hides for his mother because the police wonder why he is always home alone. These things are not uncommon, child abuse and neglect occurs in staggering numbers across the country. In the United States, cases of child abuse and neglect are reported every ten seconds. This is an ongoing problem, which not only affects the present, but will increase complications in the future as well. There are many things that are the result of child abuse that follows them into adulthood, such as poor physical health, poor emotional and mental health, social difficulties, cognitive dysfunction, high-risk health behaviors, and behavioral problems. It also increases the possibility of imprisonment, substance abuse, and a greater chance of being involved in crime. These problems are not only a dilemma for them but also have a negative effect on society. According to Websters dictionary, child abuse is any recent act or failure to act by a parent or caregiver that results in death, serious physical or emotional consequences. sexual harm, abuse or exploitation; or an act or omission that presents an imminent risk of serious harm. Over the past decade, researchers have reported increased rates of recurrence of health problems in survivors of childhood abuse, including a wide range of problems such as ischemic heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, diabetes, skeletal fractures and hepatitis. They also get sick more often, develop drug habits and alcohol tendencies. They are more likely to have eating disorders, sleeping problems, even sui...... middle of paper ...... d have this problem in a foster home which makes it unlikely that they will find a home. Therefore the state or government still has custody. Not only does child abuse and neglect affect that child, it affects the state, the country, and everyone else. Child abuse and neglect affects everyone involved and everyone not involved. Child abuse and neglect have a negative impact on society. There are many other symptoms that occur when alcohol and drugs are used in a child's home. Including educational problems and the use of these drugs and alcoholism passed down from parent to child. When substance abuse is passed on to the child it creates a nasty cycle that is usually never broken. In conclusion, if the country could break this cycle, it would help reduce the costs of incarceration, healthcare, hospitalization and support for parentless children..